National Weather Service Talks Air Quality, High Temps

Very high temperatures in the 100s are expected for much of northeast Montana this week on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Glasgow. The agency reports that temps “could reach a high of 106 degrees on Thursday.”

NWSG said that area river valleys may be among the hottest locations. “An upper level ridge holding steady over the region will lead to high temperatures this week to approach 100°F and, by Thursday, as high as 110°F in some of the lower valleys of the Milk/Missouri/Yellowstone rivers.” An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued for all of northeast Montana. Be advised to limit time outdoors during these days, stay hydrated and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. The heat watch is expected to be in place through 9 p.m. Thursday.

NWSG lead forecaster Rich Maliawco said that temps are expected to let up a bit by Friday. “The hot spell is basically through Thursday, Maliawco said. “Moving into the weekend, think about highs in the 90s.”

Maliawco said the long term forecast is for hotter than average weather this summer. “In general, look for warmer and drier weather as we continue,” he said.

Air quality warnings have been issued throughout the region in recent days. Alerts from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality have been issued for many Montana counties, including Daniels, McCone, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Valley counties.

“Right now, the smoke is originating from Canadian wildfires,” Maliawco said at press time Monday, He said any significant change in weather conditions should help push the heavy flow of smoke out of the area.

Visit Airnow.gov to monitor if health impacts from surface smoke concentrations. Detailed weather information is available at weather. gov/ggw.